Chapter 8 - The Graduation and the King
Six months later.
The grand auditorium at Boston University was packed with hundreds of graduating doctoral students, professors, and proud families.
I sat in the front row, wearing my black academic robe and velvet doctoral hood, my heart fluttering with nervous excitement. On my left ring finger, the diamond and emerald ring caught the bright stage lights.
"Next, candidate for Doctor of Physical Therapy... Tessa Fitzgerald!" the Dean announced over the loudspeaker.
The crowd applauded as I walked up the wooden steps to the stage.
As I reached the center of the stage to receive my diploma, I looked out into the vast audience.
In the front row of the VIP balcony, sitting flanked by Luca and four discreet security guards, was Massimo.
He was wearing a dark, bespoke Italian suit, looking impossibly broad, handsome, and regal.
And as I received my diploma, Massimo stood up.
He didn't use a cane. He didn't lean on Luca. He stood tall, proud, on his own two strong legs, clapping loudly, his dark eyes shining with pure, unadulterated love and pride for his wife.
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The entire auditorium turned to look at the striking, powerful man in the balcony, but Massimo saw no one except me.
I held up my diploma, tears of joy streaming down my face, throwing him a kiss from the stage.
